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BYLAWS OF THE MINNESOTA AFFILIATE OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALISTS
ARTICLE I. NAME.
SECTION 1. NAME
The name of this association shall be the Minnesota Affiliate of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, hereinafter referred to as NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate.
ARTICLE II. MISSION AND PURPOSES.
SECTION 1. MISSION STATEMENT
Consistent with the national organization, the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate exists to enhance and promote the unique, high value contribution of the clinical nurse specialist to the health and well-being of individuals, families, groups, and communities, and to promote and advance the practice of nursing in the State of Minnesota.
SECTION 2. PURPOSES
The purposes of the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate, are complementary to the purposes of existing organizations in working to meet society's need for the full complement of nursing services.
The purposes of the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate, shall be to:
a. provide educational, networking, and mentoring opportunities for the continuing professional development of the clinical nurse specialist in Minnesota and the surrounding area;
b. promote the visibility of clinical nurse specialists' impact on cost, quality and access to nursing care to health care systems/organizations;
c. provide education to Minnesota communities and/or health care organizations and the public regarding the unique contributions of clinical nurse specialists to the well-being of individuals and groups;
d. provide a forum for the identification and discussion of issues and trends that affect and shape the evolution of clinical nurse specialist practice in Minnesota;
e. promote the unification of Minnesota clinical nurse specialists in their advanced practice roles regarding competencies, spheres of impact, standards of performance and educational preparation;
f. provide for the development and dissemination of position statements regarding health care policy issues pertinent to quality, cost and access to nursing care, strategies to improve the appropriate use of health care resources and the need for and preparation of clinical nurse specialists in Minnesota.
g. serve as a clearinghouse for information pertinent to Minnesota’s clinical nurse specialists and clinical nurse specialist practice;
h. collaborate with other groups addressing issues of common concern to advanced practice nurses.
i. contribute to the body of knowledge regarding clinical nurse specialist practice and patient care.
SECTION 3. PROPERTY AND RECORDS
No part of the income or property (real or personal, tangible or intangible) of this association shall inure to the benefit of any member. Upon retiring from office, all officers shall deliver all records or other properties of the association within two weeks of the end of a term of office unless otherwise specified by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP/APPLICATIONS/DUES.
SECTION 1. AFFILIATE RESPONSIBILITY TO THE NATIONAL NACNS
In accordance with National regulations, NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate will assure that at least 25% of its membership also holds membership in the National organization at all times.
SECTION 2. REGULAR MEMBER
A regular member of the organization is an individual who:
a. holds an active license to practice as a registered nurse; and Clinical Nurse Specialist (APRN, CNS) OR holds an active license to practice as a registered nurse and is doctorally-prepared and is involved in the education and development of clinical nurse specialists.
b. has paid the assessed dues.
c. is entitled to vote, hold office, and chair committees.
d. does not have an APRN, CNS license, though they:
1. Have a masters or doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited Clinical Nurse Specialist program
and
2. Are practicing as a clinical nurse specialist in a neighboring state
SECTION 3. STUDENT MEMBER
A student member is an individual who:
a. holds an active license to practice as a registered nurse;
b. is able to provide verification of enrollment as a part-time or full-time student in an accredited masters or doctoral program that prepares clinical nurse specialists OR is a clinical nurse specialist enrolled full-time in a doctoral program;
c. is eligible to attend all meetings, education conferences, and participate in committees.
d. is eligible to serve in the elected position of Student Representative on the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate, Board of Directors. However, a student member is not eligible to hold other elective offices or chair a committee.
e. may not vote on changes to the bylaws and in elections for future board members. However, a student may be a voting member of a committee.
f. pays dues at a reduced rate as established by the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate, Board of Directors
SECTION 4. SENIOR MEMBER
A retired member may choose to become a senior member.
A senior member:
a. pays dues at a reduced rate as established by the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate, Board of Directors.
b. may continue to participate on committees
c. retains voting rights
d. may chair committees
e. may not hold office
SECTION 5. ASSOCIATE MEMBER
An associate member is an individual who:
a. Had title protection under the 2002 MN legislation and were actively employed as a CNS but do not currently qualify for licensure as an APRN, CNS.
b. Any health related corporation or group of individuals engaged in the production of products, sales, and/or services related to clinical nurse specialist practice and is interested in aiding NACNS in achieving its goals and contributing financial support may designate a corporate representative who shall have the privileges of associate membership.
c. may not vote or hold elective office or chair a committee. However, they may participate on a committee.
d. may attend all meetings and participate in committees
e. has paid the assessed dues.
SECTION 6. HONORARY MEMBER
a. Honorary membership may be conferred upon individuals who have rendered distinguished service and leadership to the association or those who have made unique contributions to advancing clinical nurse specialist practice. Honorary members will not be required to pay dues. Honorary members who are not regular members or senior members will have all membership rights except voting and holding office. If regular members or senior members are given honorary membership, they will retain all the privileges of membership pertinent to the category of membership.
b. Nominations for honorary membership must be proposed in writing, signed by four voting members and submitted to the Board of Directors for review and approval. The nomination must be approved by a majority of those board members present at a regularly scheduled board meeting. The nominee's name shall then be placed on the election ballot mailed to all voting members prior to the next annual meeting. There shall be no write-in votes for honorary membership. Confirmation of honorary membership shall require affirmative votes of not less than a majority of the votes cast for the nominee for honorary membership.
SECTION 7. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
a. Requests for membership shall be made by submitting a written membership application which shall be subject to approval under criteria and procedures established by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 8. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
The membership of any Member who becomes ineligible for membership based on criteria outlined in Article III, Sections two through four above, or who is ninety (90) days in default in the payment of any dues or charges shall be terminated automatically. In addition, membership in NACNS may be terminated or other disciplinary action imposed for “cause”, which means violation of these Bylaws or any rule or practice of NACNS. Termination or other discipline shall be effected or imposed only upon the vote of two-thirds of the entire Board of Directors; provided that the Member shall have furnished a full statement of the charges against such Member and shall have been afforded adequate opportunity for a hearing thereon. In special circumstances, such termination may be delayed by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 9. DUES
a. In order to retain membership in this association, all member categories, except honorary members, must pay annual dues as required by these bylaws and as established by NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate, Board of Directors.
b. Dues will be established by the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate, Board of Directors in amounts sufficient to ensure that the Association maintains financial resources to carry out its purposes and activities.
ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS.
SECTION 1. ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
The NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate, shall meet annually at a time and place to be determined by the Board of Directors. The annual business meeting shall be an open meeting to all members in good standing of the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate. The annual meeting will be held in conjunction with the Annual Conference sponsored by the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate.
SECTION 2. QUORUM
The voting membership present at any annual business meeting shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. Board of Directors
The control of this Association shall be vested in the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate, Board of Directors, six (6) in number, to consist of the president, president-elect, immediate past president, secretary, treasurer and student representative (non-voting). They shall manage the affairs of the affiliate in conformity with the laws under which the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate is incorporated and the provisions of these bylaws.
a. The Board of Directors shall meet at least annually.
b. The Board of Directors shall formulate policies in order to conduct/transact the general business of NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate in the period between annual meetings to further the purposes and goals of NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate and to manage, control, and conserve the property and interest of the affiliate.
c. The Board of Directors shall have the power to establish fees, create standing and ad hoc committees and define their duties, and to call annual meetings and other meetings of NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate not already provided for.
d. The outcome of any action taken by the Board will be by a majority vote of those participating as long as a quorum is present.
SECTION 2. TIME AND PLACE OF MEETINGS
The Board of Directors may provide by resolution the time, date and place for the holding of an annual meeting and additional regular meetings of the Board without other notice than such resolution.
SECTION 3. QUORUM OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A quorum of the board shall consist of at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting board members.
SECTION 4. REMOVAL OF A BOARD MEMBER
A member of the Board of Directors may be removed by the vote of the members present or represented at a duly called meeting at which a quorum is present whenever, in their judgment, the best interests of the organization would be served by such removal.
ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS/TERMS OF OFFICE/ DUTIES.
SECTION 1. OFFICERS
The officers of the association shall consist of a president, president-elect, immediate past president, secretary, treasurer and student representative. These officers shall perform the duties prescribed in these bylaws, and by the parliamentary authority adopted by the Association. An officer may be removed for cause, by the Members.
SECTION 2. ELIGIBILITY OF OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS
a. Each candidate for an Association office or member of the Board of Directors in NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate shall have been a regular member for at least two consecutive years preceding each election or special consideration may be given to candidates with less than two year membership by the board
b. A person may not simultaneously be a candidate for more than one office or Board position.
c. The immediate past president shall not be eligible for nomination as president-elect during their term.
SECTION 3. PRESIDENT
Term: The president serves for one year, or until succeeded by the president-elect.
a. If a president resigns or is removed from office, the president-elect shall ascend to the Office of president to serve the remainder of the term.
b. If both the office of president and president-elect are vacated by resignation or removal from office, the Board of Directors shall appoint an interim president to serve the unexpired portion of the president's term.
Duties: The president shall be the Chief Executive Officer of NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate. It shall be the duty of the president to preside at all meetings of the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate and its Board of Directors, and to see the rules are properly enforced in all deliberations. The president shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by these bylaws and by the parliamentary authority adopted by the affiliate.
SECTION 4. PRESIDENT ELECT
Term: The president-elect serves for one year or until a successor is elected. In the event of a resignation or removal from office a successor shall be appointed by the Board of Directors to serve until moving into the office of president.
Duties: The president-elect shall perform duties as directed by the president.
SECTION 5. IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Term: The Immediate Past President serves for one year.
Duties: Past president: It shall be the duty of the past president to help assure the continuity of the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate mission and purposes. The past-president is an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 6. SECRETARY
Term: The Secretary serves for two years or until a successor is elected. In the event of a resignation or removal from office, a successor shall be appointed by the Board of Directors to serve until the next regularly scheduled election at which time a new Secretary shall be elected to a full term by the membership.
Duties: It shall be the duty of the secretary to keep a true record of the proceedings of the meetings of the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate. In addition, the Secretary is responsible for convening an ad hoc committee at the direction of the Board that shall review the bylaws prior to the annual conference. The secretary shall also perform such other duties as directed by the Board of Directors or as prescribed by these bylaws and by the parliamentary authority adopted by the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate.
SECTION 7. TREASURER
Term: The Treasurer serves for two years or until a successor is elected. In the event of a resignation or removal from office, a successor shall be appointed by the Board of Directors to serve until the next regularly scheduled election at which time a new Treasurer shall be elected to a full term by the membership.
Duties: It shall be the duty of the treasurer to maintain the financial records of the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The treasurer shall be responsible for and have full knowledge of all funds, disbursements, and securities of NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate, shall submit financial reports to the membership, prepare the annual budget in collaboration with the Board of Directors, and make recommendations pertaining to changes which may affect the financial status of the affiliate. The treasurer shall be under bond upon such terms, conditions, and for such amounts as shall be prescribed by the Board of Directors; the premiums to be paid by NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate. The treasurer shall perform other duties as directed by the Board of Directors or as prescribed by these bylaws and by the parliamentary authority adopted by the Association.
SECTION 8. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Term: The student representative serves for one year or until a successor is elected. In the event of a resignation or removal from office a successor shall be appointed by the Board of Directors to serve for the remainder of the term.
Duties: The student representative shall provide input to the board from the perspective of CNS student membership. Is available as a point of contact/liaison for CNS students. Supports the board and engages in activities related to the student body. May also perform other duties as requested by the board.
ARTICLE VII. TIMING OF ELECTIONS, NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS.
SECTION 1. TIMING OF ELECTIONS
Annually, the members of the Association shall elect a president-elect and student representative, and in alternating years, a Secretary or Treasurer.
SECTION 2. NOMINATIONS
Any member may submit the name(s) of a potential candidate(s) to the Board of Directors. The Board shall review the qualifications of all applicants and prepare a proposed slate
SECTION 3. ELECTIONS
a. Elections of the officers and Board of Directors shall be by mail or electronic vote of all regular and senior members from a slate of candidates prepared by the Board. There shall be no write-in votes unless there are fewer than two candidates for the office.
b. Plurality shall elect. In case of tie, choice shall be by lot.
c. The elected officers and directors shall take office at the start of the new calendar year following their election. Election results will be announced through official publications of the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate. Ballots shall be kept by the Affiliate for thirty (30) days following the election.
ARTICLE VIII. COMMITTEES.
SECTION 1. PROGRAM PLANNING COMMITTEES
a. The only standing committees shall be the Conference Planning and Education Committees.
b. Membership in these committees is based upon voluntary participation of members with an active status ( regular, student, senior or associate). To provide for effective planning, it is the expectation that members attend and participate in at least 75% of committee planning meetings.
c. The size of the committee shall have no fewer than three members and no more than 10.
SECTION 2. AD HOC LEGISLATIVE/REGULATORY COMMITTEE
a. The Ad Hoc Legislative/Regulatory Committee, in collaboration with NACNS, shall represent NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate and respond to individual members and state legislators, other professional associations and boards of nursing on state and national issues, which affect recognition, reimbursement, and practice of CNSs.
b. Membership – The Legislative/Regulatory Committee shall consist of at least three (3) members, appointed by the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Affiliate.
ARTICLE IX. AWARDS.
The Board of Directors may, under regulations which it may adopt, create and offer awards for scientific investigations or contributions consistent with the purposes of NACNS. The cost of such awards may be authorized by the Board of Directors from the funds of the NACNS or from funds which may be donated, entrusted, or bequeathed to the association for such purposes.
ARTICLE X. FISCAL YEAR.
The fiscal year of the association shall be from January 1 through December 31.
ARTICLE XI. GIFTS.
The association shall have the authority to accept gifts in accordance with a 501 C6 organization.
ARTICLE XII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY.
The most recent issue of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the conduct of the meeting of the Association unless otherwise specified in these bylaws or special rules adopted by NACNS.
ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS.
SECTION 1
Amendments to these bylaws must be proposed in writing, signed by four members in good standing and submitted to the Board of Directors four months prior to the annual meeting of the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate. All proposed amendments received in proper form by the Board of Directors and submitted to the Board of Directors must be circulated to the entire membership, not less than thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting. The amendments shall be voted on by the membership at the annual meeting of the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate.
SECTION 2
An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the voting members shall be required for the adoption of an amendment.
SECTION 3
Bylaws may be amended at the time of the annual business meeting without the previous membership notification if the amendment is presented from the floor and approved by ninety-nine percent of the voting members present.
SECTION 4
The Board of Directors may, at any time, submit proposed bylaw amendments to the membership for approval. The affirmative vote of two-thirds of the voting members shall be required for the adoption of an amendment submitted to the membership by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XIV. DISSOLUTION.
Upon the dissolution of the Association, the Board of Directors, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the Association, shall dispose of all of the remaining assets of the Association exclusively for the purposes of the Association in such manner, or to such organization or organizations as shall at the time qualify as a tax-exempt organization or organizations recognized under Section 501 (c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the corresponding provision of any future United States internal revenue statute, as the Board shall determine.
ARTICLE XV. CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
The purpose of the conflict of interest policy is to protect this tax-exempt organization's (Organization) interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an Officer or Director of the Organization or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.
a. Definitions. An interested person, for purposes of this conflict of interest policy is any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined below:
- A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment, or family:
- An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement,
- A compensation arrangement with the Organization or with any entity or individual with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement, or
- A potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which the Organization is negotiating a transaction or arrangement.
Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial.
The fact that one of the interests described above has occurred does not necessarily mean that a conflict exists, or that the conflict, if it exists, is material enough to be of practical importance, or if material, that upon full disclosure of all relevant facts and circumstances that a conflict exists precludes board action. As provided in Article IX, section 6, subsection (b), part (2), the board shall determine whether a conflict exists.
b. The Board shall not enter into any contract or transaction with (a) one or more of its directors, (b) a director of a related organization or (c) an organization in or of which a director of MAP for Nonprofits is a director, officer or legal representative, or in some other way has a material financial interest unless:
c. Duty to Disclose
In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.
d. Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists
After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists.
e. Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest
- An interested person may make a presentation at the governing board or committee meeting, but after the presentation, he/she shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote on, the transaction or arrangement involving the possible conflict of interest.
- If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the governing board or committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether the transaction or arrangement is in the Organization's best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination it shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement.
f. Violations of the Conflicts of Interest Policy
- If the governing board or committee has reasonable cause to believe a member has failed to disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall inform the member of the basis for such belief and afford the member an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.
- If, after hearing the member's response and after making further investigation as warranted by the circumstances, the governing board or committee determines the member has failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.
3. The interested Director may be present for discussion to answer questions, but may not advocate for the action to be taken, cannot be included to establish a quorum for the meeting, and must leave the room while a vote is taken. The minutes of all actions taken on such matters shall clearly reflect that these requirements have been met.
g. Compensation. This subsection shall govern when compensation from this Organization is being determined.
1. A voting member of the governing board who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member's compensation.
2. A voting member of any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member's compensation.
3. No voting member of the governing board or any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization, either individually or collectively, is prohibited from providing information to any committee regarding compensation.
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Date Reviewed |
Changes |
Date Approved |
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June 17, 2017 and August 27, 2017 |
Article III, section 2: utilized APRN, CNS licensure to define a CNS. Article III, section 3b: is able to provide versus provides Article III, section 4: removed age for senior member Article III, section 7: removed institutional member option Article VI section 2 bullet a: removed for at least two consecutive years preceding each election Article VII section 3 bullet a: and or email for voting |
10/26/2017 |
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November 8, 2017 |
Article III, section 6: remove corporate member option and add associate membership option |
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January 26, 2018 |
Article III, section 6: remove corporate member option and add Article III Section 6: Associate Member |
1/20/2018 |
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08/11/2021 08/24/2021 |
Article II, section 2e: Changed “Influence” to “impact” Article III, section 2a: Add “is” Article III, section 2c: Delete, “If a member” and add “though” Article III, section 3b: Lower case changed to upper case “OR” Article III, section 3c: Add “is eligible to attend all meeting, education conferences, and participate in committees” Article III, section 3e: Change to “May not vote on changes to the bylaws and in elections for future board members. However, a student member may be a voting member of a committee. Article III, section 3f: “pays dues at a reduced rate as established by the NACNS, Minnesota Affiliate, Board of Directors Article III, section 5a: Removed “Association” and replaced with “if” in last sentence Article III, section 7: Added “Based on criteria outlined in Article III, sections two through four above,” Article V, section 1: Changed board of directors member numbers from 5 to 6. Added “student representative (non-voting)” Article V, section 3a: Add “voting” Article VI, section 1a: Delete “and a” and add “and student representative” Article VI, section 5: Add “Term: The immediate Past President serves for one year”. Article VI, section 8: Adding the student rep role section. Article VII, section 1: Added “and student representative” Article VII, section 3a : Change “email” to “electronic” Article VIII, section 1a: Clarification of two committees Article VIII, section 1b: Remove “Committee chair and committee members are appointed by the Board of Directors” Article VIII, section 1c: Remove: “shall be determined by the Board of Directors, except that no committee shall have fewer than three members” |
10/04/2021 |
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10/6/2023 |
Article VII, section 3c: Added “start of the new calendar year” and deleted “close of the annual business meeting of the Association…” Article VIII, section 1b: Added “with an active status ( regular, student, senior or associate). To provide for effective planning, it is the expectation that members attend and participate in at least 75% of committee planning meetings.” Article VIII, section 1c: Added “and no more than 10.” |
10/6/2023 |
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